Jules Wabbes
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Through our collaboration with the best craftsmen in Belgium and by servicing Trade Professionals, Architects and Interior Designers, we guarantee our most demanding clientele that our objects are real pieces of art, respectful of the original design by Jules Wabbes, and manufactured with the highest standard of quality.
All of our objects were designed by Jules Wabbes. Since 1969 GENERAL DECORATION has manufactured these objects by strictly following the original blueprints and drawings. GENERAL DECORATION works with the best craftsmen in Belgium and uses noble materials respectful of Jules Wabbes’ choices. Each piece is numbered and certified.
10
JULES WABBES
THE 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS 1969-2019
11
GENERAL DECORATION, FOUNDED IN 1989 BY JULES WABBES, CELEBRATES ITS 5Oth ANNIVERSARY General Decoration, the company, producing the original design pieces of Jules Wabbes, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Still in its existence, GEDE enlarges its catalogue and develops new objects, lamps, decoration accessories and furniture each year. General Decoration, GEDE for those who are familiar with it, has been directed since the death of its founder in 1974 by his wife Marie Wabbes, who always believed in his pieces, but never had either the time or the expertise to take care of it. With the arrival of Vincent and Caroline as directors being in direct contact with the Wabbes family, the company got a new boost in 2014. It is now the reference for the production of metal pieces designed in the 50ies and 6Oies.
Texts by Marie Ferran Wabbes
THIS YEAR ON MARCH 18th, JULES WABBES, THE BELGIAN DESIGNER, WOULD HAVE CELEBRATED HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY. He unfortunately died at the age of 54 in 1974. Had he lived, he would have turned 100 like the Bauhaus’. Wabbes was not affiliated to any school, but the Bauhaus certainly had a major influence on every designer. Wabbes was a free spirit who started his career as a photographer and antique dealer. While restoring antique furniture, Wabbes was quite influenced by his close friendship with abstract painters, to name a few Georges Carrey, Serge Vandercam, Enrico Castellani and Willia Menzel, a sculptor trained by Henry van de Velde, who all invited him to engage in designing modern furniture in the early fifties.
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP LEFT AND NEXT PAGES: “Gris des Ardennes” Belgian Marble, Bronze SPECIAL EDITION
see P.110
12
JULES WABBES
For Wabbes, above all, it is the material that counts. In the early 70ies Wabbes already acquired the marble from De Merbes Sprimont. This is the reason why we wanted to use stone again and most of all tell a Belgian story say Vincent and Caroline. When Isabelle Croonenberghs (Cromarbo) showed us the Belgian “Gris des Ardennes� marble we had our story! Production is limited to 50 pieces.
THE 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS 1969-2019
13
At the time Jules Wabbes was an antique dealer he transformed antique Chinese celadon vases into lamps. The early model of the hexagon lamp was produced in ceramic, this is how he developed the fixation system of the lamp bubble and the shade. He asked his friend pottery artist Antoine de Vincke a lamp stand in terra cotta. Jules Wabbes also designed the same lamp in travertine stone, and finally in 1969, he developed the raw and polished bronze model.
14
JULES WABBES
TRESTLES ABOVE: Wenge and Nickel-plated Brass with Marble table top LEFT: Wenge and Polished Brass with Marble table top TRESTLES
see P.132
We have likewise chosen this marble tabletop for the trestle in wenge wood and nickel-plated brass.
THE 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS 1969-2019
15
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
19
LAMPS Honeycomb Wall Lamp PP.20-23 Honeycomb Ceiling Lamp PP.24-27 Mini Wall Lamp PP.28-31 11 Bands Wall Lamp PP.32-33 Osaka Ceiling Lamp PP.34-35 Round Brass Pendant PP.36-39 Hexagonal Table Lamp PP.40-49 Bronze Wall Lamp PP.50–67 Garden Lamp PP.68-69 COAT PEGS & COAT RACKS Coat Pegs Coat Racks
PP.70-73 PP.74-75 FIRE ACCESSORIES
Firedogs Fire Belt
PP.76-77 PP.78-79 ACCESSORIES
Trinket Bowl Iron Doorknob Patera Doorknob Oval Doorknob
PP.80-81 P.120 P.121 P.122 TRESTLES
Trestles PP.82-87
GEDE
20
GENERAL DECORATION
HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP
21
HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP LEFT: Nickel-plated Brass ABOVE: Polished Brass HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP
see P.134
22
GENERAL DECORATION
HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP
23
HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP LEFT AND ABOVE: Polished Brass HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP
see P.134
26
GENERAL DECORATION
HONEYCOMB CEILING LAMP
27
HONEYCOMB CEILING LAMP PREVIOUS: Polished Brass, front view LEFT & ABOVE: Polished Brass, bottom and front view HONEYCOMB CEILING LAMP see P.136
28
GENERAL DECORATION
MINI WALL LAMP LEFT: Polished Brass ABOVE: Gold-plated Brass MINI WALL LAMP
see P.144
MINI WALL LAMP
29
30
GENERAL DECORATION
MINI WALL LAMP ABOVE AND RIGHT: Nickel-plated Brass LIMITED EDITION 11 BANDS WALL LAMP NEXT PAGE: Nickel-plated Brass MINI WALL LAMP 11 BANDS WALL LAMP
see P.144 see P.146
MINI WALL LAMP
31
36
GENERAL DECORATION
OSAKA CEILING LAMP PREVIOUS: Brushed Brass LARGE ROUND BRASS PENDANT LEFT: Brushed Brass ABOVE: Polished Brass OSAKA CEILING LAMP ROUND BRASS PENDANT
see P.140 see P.142
ROUND BRASS PENDANT
37
38
GENERAL DECORATION
ROUND BRASS PENDANT
SMALL ROUND BRASS PENDANT LEFT: Nickel-plated Brass THIS PAGE ABOVE: Polished Brass RIGHT: Nickel-plated Brass ROUND BRASS PENDANT
see P.142
39
42
GENERAL DECORATION
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
43
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP PREVIOUS AND LEFT: Raw Bronze RIGHT: Polished Bronze HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
see P.108
44
GENERAL DECORATION
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP LEFT: Polished Bronze RIGHT: Polished Bronze HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
see P.108
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
45
48
GENERAL DECORATION
SMALL HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP LEFT: Polished Bronze RIGHT: Raw Bronze HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
see P.111
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
49
GENERAL DECORATION
52
GENERAL DECORATION
SMALL BRONZE WALL LAMP PREVIOUS: small exterior, Raw Bronze ABOVE AND RIGHT: small interior/exterior, Raw Bronze BRONZE WALL LAMP
see P.100
BRONZE WALL LAMP
53
54
GENERAL DECORATION
BRONZE WALL LAMP
55
BRONZE WALL LAMP, TRESTLES, COAT PEG LEFT: BRONZE WALL LAMP, small interior, Raw Bronze — TRESTLES, Wenge and Nickel-plated Brass — COAT PEG, Raw Bronze ABOVE: BRONZE WALL LAMP, small exterior, Raw Bronze NEXT PAGE: BRONZE WALL LAMP, small interior, Polished Bronze BRONZE WALL LAMP COAT PEGS TRESTLES
see P.100 see P.128 see P.132
58
GENERAL DECORATION
SMALL BRONZE WALL LAMP PREVIOUS PAGE, LEFT AND RIGHT: Polished Bronze BRONZE WALL LAMP
see P.100
BRONZE WALL LAMP
59
60
GENERAL DECORATION
BRONZE WALL LAMP
61
SMALL BRONZE WALL LAMP LEFT AND ABOVE: Polished Bronze BRONZE WALL LAMP
see P.100
64
GENERAL DECORATION
LARGE BRONZE WALL LAMP ABOVE: interior, Raw Bronze RIGHT AND PREVIOUS PAGE: exterior, Raw Bronze BRONZE WALL LAMP
see P.100
BRONZE WALL LAMP
65
66
GENERAL DECORATION
LARGE BRONZE WALL LAMP ABOVE AND RIGHT: exterior, Raw Bronze BRONZE WALL LAMP
see P.100
BRONZE WALL LAMP
67
68
GENERAL DECORATION
GARDEN LAMP
69
GARDEN LAMP ABOVE: side and front views LEFT: Garden Lamp and archive drawing GARDEN LAMP
see P.112
70
GENERAL DECORATION
COAT PEGS ABOVE: front view, Raw Bronze RIGHT: Chrome-plated Bronze COAT PEGS
see P.128
COAT PEGS
71
72
GENERAL DECORATION
COAT PEGS, TRESTLES ABOVE: Polished Bronze, side, 3/4 and front views RIGHT: COAT PEG, Raw Bronze — TRESTLES, Wenge and brass, detail with table top COAT PEGS TRESTLES
see P.128 see P.132
COAT PEGS
73
74
GENERAL DECORATION
COAT RACKS
75
COAT RACKS LEFT: Nickel-plated Brass / Movingui ABOVE: front view, Polished Brass / Cocobolo Wood COAT RACKS
see P.129
76
GENERAL DECORATION
FIREDOGS
77
FIRE ACCESSORIES / FIREDOGS LEFT and ABOVE: Ironcast/Polished Bronze FIREDOGS
see P.116
78
GENERAL DECORATION
FIRE BELT
79
FIRE ACCESSORIES / FIRE BELT LEFT: Iron / P olished Bronze ABOVE: front view, top view FIRE BELT
see P.117
80
GENERAL DECORATION
TRINKET BOWL
81
ACCESSORIES / TRINKET BOWL LEFT: Polished Bronze, detail ABOVE: archive image TRINKET BOWL
see P.126
84
GENERAL DECORATION
TRESTLES
85
TRESTLES PREVIOUS: TRESTLES, Wenge and Brass with Slate Table top, depth 450 mm LEFT [top]: TRESTLES, Wenge and Brass with Desk Table top, depth 650 mm — LEFT [bottom]: TRESTLES with Table Top — [detail] laminated shelf with solid wedge edge ABOVE: [left] Wenge and Nickel-plated Brass, 450 mm — [right] Wenge and Brass, depth 650 mm TRESTLES
see P.132
86
GENERAL DECORATION
TRESTLES
87
TRESTLES LEFT: TRESTLES, Wenge and Brass with marble table top, detail ABOVE: TRESTLES and table top TRESTLES
see P.132
88
GENERAL DECORATION
DOORKNOBS
89
DOORKNOB LEFT: IRON DOORKNOB, Raw Bronze RIGHT [top]: PATERA DOORKNOB, Raw Bronze RIGHT [bottom]: OVAL DOORKNOB, Raw Bronze IRON DOORKNOB PATERA DOORKNOB OVAL DOORKNOB
see P.120 see P.121 see P.122
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GENERAL DECORATION
92
GENERAL DECORATION
HISTORY
LIFESTYLE HISTORY
93 I
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II
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ESTABLISHED IN 1969 BY JULES WABBES
FIGURES I. Renée Wolf, port rait de Jules Wabbes,oil on canvas, 100 x 79 cm II. Jules Wabbes, portrait with a moustache
Jules Wabbes founded General Decoration in 1969 in Brussels. GEDE has since then, for more than 45 years, manufactured and retailed metal accessories exclusively designed by Jules Wabbes. Our set of elegant and functional objects, essential to any interior, was designed by the Belgian designer throughout his career. This collection was part of his general vision for designing interiors as a refined and coherent ensemble. The only thing that mattered to Jules Wabbes was the sincere expression of quality in every details. The level of craftsmanship and the use of the very best materials are the genuine signature of Jules Wabbes. Each GEDE accessory is handmade in metal – bronze, brass or iron – all materials favoured by Wabbes for their resistance and nobility. We are still producing each of his objects using the exact same materials he used, crafted in small quantities by artisans in Belgium. Each GEDE metal object is then stamped to certify of its authenticity.
94
GENERAL DECORATION
I
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II
FIGURES I. Jules Wabbes on his horse, Sky Banner, a thoroughbred Arab II. Family of Jules Wabbes in 1971
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JULES WABBES Jules Wabbes is one of the leading Belgian furniture designers and interior architects of the postwar period. He first opened an antique and decoration shop in Brussels before starting to create his own furnitures and objects. He opened an office of industrial design to enlarge his project to architecture and office design. Therefore he associated with architects notably André Jacqmain (until 1960). Among his large-scale works banks and office building such as the Foncolin Building, the Glaverbel quarters or La Générale de Banque and its strongroom. He was known for his office desks, tables and cabinets crafted from precious and exotic woods on elegant frames of stainless steel. His attention to every detail led him to create a collection of metal accessories to fit into these interiors. He co-founded first successful company, Mobilier Universel, in 1957 that also produced American designers, as Wabbes travelled extensively to the US in that period. He eventually furnished the US embassies of London, Dakar and Rabat. A few years later, he was ousted from Mobilier Universel unwilling to compromise quality for profit.
HISTORY
95 He then founded GEDE in 1969 in order to manufacture and retail exclusively his metal accessories according to his own quality principles. Wabbes was awarded several prizes, notably in 1957 and 1960 at the Milan Triennial.
WABBES FAMILY HERITAGE After the passing of Jules Wabbes, GEDE has never ceased to exist, for Jules Wabbes’ spouse took over and had some objects produced while keeping all intellectual property. In 2013, Vincent Colet — antiquarian, expert and editor of objects — together with the Wabbes family, and particularly with Marie Ferran-Wabbes, Jules Wabbes’ daughter and art historian, decided to reinvigorate GEDE with the ideals and spirit of its beginnings.
TIMELESS HERITAGE
I
Jules Wabbes remained inspired by its first vocation as an antiquarian in his classical approach to interior and architecture details. He was fascinated by designs that would resist through time. His creations are an expression of pure quality by use, and a mix, of excellent materials. Today GEDE is committed to the same standards of excellence his founder expected. GEDE produces his objects, genuine pieces of timeless design, that are meant to last and be passed from one generation to the next.
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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, MATERIALS AND CRAFTSMANSHIPS
II
GEDE owns the exclusive licence to the original sketches and drawings of the celebrated Belgian designerin a catalogue of about 70 objects – ranging from bathroom accessories through coatracks to wall lamps. Each of our original objects produced today is therefore manufactured according to the initial product development plans defined by Jules Wabbes. GEDE only works with a selected few artisans in Belgium that meet Jules Wabbes’ attention to details and perfectionism.
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FIGURES I. Jules Wabbes presenting one of his lamps at the 11th Triennale of Milan, 1957 II. Plan of the Honeycomb Ceiling Lamp
96
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTS
PRODUCTS
97
MATERIAL
CATEGORY LAMPS
BRONZE Bronze Wall Lamp P.100 Hexagonal Table Lamp P.108 Garden Lamp P.112 Fire Belt P.117 Firedogs P.116 Trinket Bowl P.126 Coat Pegs P.128 Doorknobs P.120 BRASS Coat Rack Trestle 450 / 650 / 850 Honeycomb Wall Lamp Honeycomb Ceiling Lamp Osaka Ceiling Lamp Round Brass Pendant Lamp Mini Wall Lamp 11 Bands Wall Lamp
P.129 P.132 P.134 P.136 P.140 P.142 P.144 P.146
Honeycomb Wall Lamp Honeycomb Ceiling Lamp Mini Wall Lamp Hexagonal Table Lamp Bronze Wall Lamp Osaka Ceiling Lamp Round Brass Pendant Lamp Garden Lamp 11 Bands Wall Lamp
P.134 P.136 P.144 P.108 P.100 P.140 P.142 P.112 P.146
COAT PEGS & COAT RACKS Coat Pegs Coat Rack
P.128 P.129 TRESTLES
Trestle 450 / 650 / 850
P.132
FIRE ACCESSORIES Fire Belt Firedogs
P.116 P.117 ACCESSORIES
Trinket Bowl Iron Doorknob Patera Doorknob Oval Doorknob
P.126 P.120 P.121 P.122
1950–1978
GEDE
98
FOUNDRY ELements of Bronze Wall Lamp and Coat Peg
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
99
GEDE
100
PRODUCTS / BRONZE
BRONZE WALL LAMP
101
SMALL AND LARGE BRONZE WALL LAMP (Small Interior) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 240 mm 170 mm
This wall-lamp was designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by General Decoration from 1969. Made of five rings of cast bronze. Other models by the creator were designed in the same way but in brass. Wabbes often utilized a series of curved flat portions of different dimensions. This lamp is suitable for indoor and outdoor use thanks to a system of glass which protects the bulb. The bronze takes a beautiful patina with time and weather.
1969
(Small Exterior) Width (W)
TOP 156 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Bronze Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 240 × ( W) 156 × (H) 170 mm WEIGHT
Small Exterior / 7,7 kg Small Interior / 7 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. (Small Exterior) Width (W)
BOTTOM 156 mm
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 50-67
PRODUCTION / EDITION
Raw Bronze On Demand
GEDE
102
BRONZE WALL LAMP
LARGE INTERIOR BRONZE WALL LAMP (Large Interior) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
(Large Interior) Width (W)
FRONT 265 mm 205 mm
BOTTOM 230 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS NAME Bronze Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 265 × ( W) 230 × (H) 205 mm WEIGHT
Large Interior / 9,1 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Raw Bronze Polished Bronze
PRODUCTION / EDITION
GEDE
On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 50-67
BRONZE WALL LAMP
103
LARGE EXTERIOR BRONZE WALL LAMP (Large Exterior) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 265 mm 205 mm
(Large Exterior) Width (W)
TOP 230 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Bronze Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 265 × ( W) 230 × (H) 205 mm WEIGHT
Large Exterior / 9,6 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 50-67
Raw Bronze On Demand
GEDE
104
BRONZE WALL LAMP
SMALL INTERIOR BRONZE WALL LAMP (Small Interior) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 240 mm 170 mm
(Small Interior) Width (W)
LEFT 156 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS NAME Small Bronze Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 240 × ( W) 156 × (H) 170 mm WEIGHT
Small Interior / 7 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Bronze Raw Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
GEDE
On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 50-67
BRONZE WALL LAMP
105
LARGE INTERIOR BRONZE WALL LAMP (Large Interior) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 265 mm 205 mm
(Large Interior) Width (W)
TOP 230 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Large Bronze Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 265 × ( W) 230 × (H) 205 mm WEIGHT
Large Interior / 9,1 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Bronze Raw Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 50-67
On Demand
GEDE
106
FOUNDRY Bronze Wall Lamp: A ring (central part) being removed from the core casting box
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
107
GEDE
108
PRODUCTS / BRONZE
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
109
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP Table lamp, hexagonal raw bronze leg, paper shade. This lamp was created in the early 60s, inspired by a stone model of the Dunbar collection designed by Edward J. Wormley in 1959. Jules Wabbes reinterpreted this classic model. The lampshade is simply held by three notched metal rods. The first copies made of travertine were produced by Mobilier Universel. They were later made of metal and distributed by GEDE in 1969. (Polished Bronze) Diameter (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 460 mm 690 mm
There are many fakes of this model (larger or with flared foot) designed after the death of Jules Wabbes. The model here presented and currently manufactured by GEDE is the only original one.
1968
(Raw Bronze) Diameter (L)
FRONT 460 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Bronze WEIGHT
DIMENSIONS (D) 460 × (H) 690 mm 8,6 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Bronze Raw Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 40-49
On Demand
GEDE
110
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
(Polished Bronze) Diameter (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 460 mm 690 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS NAME HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL “Gris des Ardennes” Belgian marble, Bronze WEIGHT
DIMENSIONS (D) 460 × (H) 690 mm 8,6 kg
LIMITED EDITION
GEDE
50 pieces
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 12-15
SMALL HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
111
SMALL HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP
(Polished Bronze) Diameter (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 325 mm 505 mm
(Raw Bronze) Diameter (L)
FRONT 325 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME SMALL HEXAGONAL TABLE LAMP ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Bronze WEIGHT
DIMENSIONS (D) 325 × (H) 505 mm 5 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Bronze Raw Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 48-49
On Demand
GEDE
112
PRODUCTS / BRONZE
GARDEN LAMP
113
GARDEN LAMP The Garden Spot is a cylindrical piece of cast raw bronze. This lamp is designed to blend discreetly into nature while gaining a natural patina over time very alike the one of a bark of a tree. (Raw Bronze) Diameter (D) Heigh (H)
FRONT 125 mm 250 mm
This lamp has been endorsed and used by leading landscape architects and designers such as Jacques Wirtz and Jean-Noël Capart. GEDE has manufactured this garden element since its creation in 1969.
1969
(Raw Bronze) Diameter (D)
TOP 125 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME GARDEN LAMP ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (H) 250 (D) 125 mm WEIGHT 5,2 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 68-69
Raw Bronze On Demand
GEDE
114
FOUNDRY Demoulding
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
115
GEDE
116
FIRE BELT
FIRE BELT The Fire Belt is handmade in iron and polished bronze, both materials preferred by Wabbes for their particular patina once regularly used and blackened by fire. This ingenious model describes one elegant curve around the fireplace. Its shape is directly inspired by the one of a regular leather belt.
(Iron / Polished Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 280 mm 75 mm
Its design allows the piece to adjust itself in width, by simply gliding its two parts through the two buckles. This model was created in 1969 for GEDE.
1969
(Iron / Polished Bronze) Width (W)
260-400 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Fire Belt ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Iron / Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 280 × ( W) 260-400 × (H) 75 mm WEIGHT 5,4 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Iron / Polished Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
GEDE
On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 78-79
TOP
FIREDOGS
117
FIREDOGS The Firedogs are iron and bronze, gain a beautiful and blackened by
(Iron Cast / Polished Bronze) Front & left length (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 406 mm 134 mm
handmade in cast both materials that patina once used fire.
These pieces were first conceived for Francois Installé’s private living room during his entire home planning by Jules Wabbes in Braschaat between 1966 and 1967. This model evokes giant bones, like the ones of a dinosaur or a mythical creature. Its shape intends to hold logs above the hearth to amplify the circulation of air and increase the fire strength. GEDE has manufactured these elements since 1969.
1967
(Iron Cast / Polished Bronze) Width (W)
LEFT
200 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Firedogs ORIGINAL DESIGN 1967 MATERIAL Iron / Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 406 × ( W) 200 × (H) 134 mm WEIGHT 21 kg (each) FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Iron / Polished Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 76-77
On Demand
GEDE
118
BRONZE WALL LAMP & COAT PEGS Final polishing of bronze
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
119
GEDE
120
IRON DOORKNOB
IRON DOORKNOB Jules Wabbes designed several doors and cabinet knobs, particularly for his new company General Decoration in 1969. They add beauty, convenience, or effectiveness to a door and become like a jewel, heavy and strong that last forever. It is a signature for a house, an office, a shop.This bronze doorknob was conceived like a sculpture.
(Raw Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 280 mm 75 mm
1969
TECHNICAL SPECS
(Raw Bronze)
NAME Iron Doorknob ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 205 × ( W) 48 × (H) 110 mm (L) 290 × ( W) 75 × (H) 150 mm WEIGHT 2,7 kg 5,4 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. PRODUCTION / EDITION
GEDE
Width (W) Width (W)
LEFT 48 mm 75 mm
Raw Bronze On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 88-89
PATERA DOORKNOB
121
PATERA DOORKNOB 1969
(Raw Bronze)
FRONT
Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
150 mm 170 mm
(Bronze) Width (W)
RIGHT 82 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Patera Doorknob ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 150 × ( W) 82 × (H) 170 mm WEIGHT 4,8 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF.
Raw Bronze Chrome-plated Bronze Polished Bronze
PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 88-89
On Demand
GEDE
122
OVAL DOORKNOB
OVAL DOORKNOB 1969
(Small — Raw Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 750 mm 55 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME ORIGINAL DESIGN MATERIAL DIMENSIONS Small: (L) 75 Medium: (L) 90 Large: (L) 110 WEIGHT FINISHES / Bronze PRODUCTION
GEDE
Oval Doorknob 1969 Bronze
× ( W) 30 × (H) 55 × ( W) 30 × (H) 70 × ( W) 30 × (H) 90 Small: 1,00 Medium: 1,75 Large: 2,85
mm mm mm kg kg kg
(Bronze) Width (W)
RIGHT 75 mm 90 mm 110 mm
PRODUCT REF. Raw Bronze / Chrome-plated / Polished Bronze / EDITION On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 88-89
SIMPLE & DOUBLE HANDLE
123
SIMPLE & DOUBLE HANDLE 1969 (Large Simple — Raw Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
BOTTOM 110 mm 18 mm
(Small Simple — Raw Bronze)
BOTTOM
Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
65 mm 18 mm
(Large Double — Raw Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
BOTTOM 103 mm 40 mm
(Small Double — Raw Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
BOTTOM 65 mm 40 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Simple Handle ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 65 × ( W) 18 × (H) 18 mm (L) 110 × ( W) 18 × (H) 18 mm WEIGHT 180 g 290 g NAME Double Handle ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 65 × ( W) 18 × (H) 40 mm (L) 103 × ( W) 18 × (H) 40 mm WEIGHT 350 g 550 g FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. PRODUCTION / EDITION
WWW.JULES-WABBES.COM
Raw Bronze On Demand
GEDE
124
FOUNDRY Demoulding
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
125
GEDE
126
PRODUCTS / BRONZE
TRINKET BOWL
127
TRINKET BOWL Model developed in the early days of General Decoration in 1969.
(Polished Bronze) Diameter (D) Heigh (H)
FRONT 210 mm 48 mm
Jules Wabbes thought an ashtray would spoil a table. He thus created this timeless object with rounded lines in rough or polished bronze. In the 70’s, smoking was everywhere in life, in offices, waiting rooms,meeting rooms, restaurants. Things have changed today, but this object still keeps its place on a table or in an office, not so much as an ashtray than as a stylish piece of furniture to leave its paperclips and some small precious things.
1969
(Raw Bronze) Width (W)
TOP 210 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Trinket Bowl ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 210 × ( W) 210 × (H) 48 mm WEIGHT 4 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Bronze Raw Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 80-81
On Demand
GEDE
COAT PEGS
128
COAT PEGS This bronze coat-peg was conceived like a sculpture. Two hooks are placed on each side of a slightly concave oval. Designed circa 1969 and edited by General Decoration, this original creation is of an exceptional beauty. Designers rarely use noble materials, and generous rounded shapes to design a coat-peg. Jules Wabbes stands out again with this piece of work.
(Chrome-plated Bronze) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 150 mm 170 mm
Multiple copies of this model decorated the vaults room of the former Générale de Banque in Brussels.
1969
(Polished Bronze) Width (W)
LEFT 82 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME COAT PEGS ORIGINAL DESIGN 1969 MATERIAL Bronze DIMENSIONS (L) 150 × ( W) 82 × (H) 170 mm WEIGHT 4,8 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Nickel-plated Bronze Polished Bronze Raw Bronze PRODUCTION / EDITION
GEDE
On Demand
(Raw Bronze) Width (W)
RIGHT 82 mm
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 70-73
COAT RACKS
129
COAT RACKS The Butterfly Coat Rack is made of a pair of mobile brass hooks and a plain exotic wood block – either in Movingui and nickel-plated brass or Rio rosewood and polished brass.
(Nickel-plated Brass / Movingui) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT
400 mm 335 mm
This coat rack was first conceived to support four clothes and two hats. Today the upper part can be used to hang different types of garments without deforming them. Both models have been handmade with the same level of craftsmanship and material quality as those recently found in Wabbes’ family attic. It is the first time this piece is being manufactured since its conception, making it a rarity and an exclusivity of GEDE.
1960
(Polished Brass / Cocobolo Wood) Width (W)
FRONT
80 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME COAT RACKS ORIGINAL DESIGN 1960 MATERIAL Wood & Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 400 × ( W) 80 × (H) 335 mm WEIGHT 1,8 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Brass / Rio Rosewood Nickel-plated Brass / Movingui PRODUCTION / EDITION On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 74-75
GEDE
130
ROUND PENDANT BRASS Polishing rings
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
131
GEDE
132
PRODUCTS / BRASS
TRESTLES
133
TRESTLES ( Wenge and Nickel-plated Brass Wenge and and Brass)
LEFT
Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
450 mm 720 mm
Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
650 mm 720 mm
This pair of trestles was created before 1958 when mentioned in a bill. The trestles are in wood and brass, assembled with special snake-eye screws. Very elegant and delicate, they are nonetheless very resistant and built like a small piece of architecture. They are designed to support a wood, a marble or a glass shelf.
1953
(Wenge and Brass) Width (W)
LEFT 292 mm
THE TABLE TOP IS CUSTOM MADE, CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND ESTIMATE.
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Trestles ORIGINAL DESIGN 1953 MATERIAL Wenge and Brass DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT (L) 450 × ( W) 292 × (H) 720 mm 3.1 kg DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT (L) 650 × ( W) 292 × (H) 720 mm 3.3 kg DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT (L) 850 × ( W) 292 × (H) 720 mm 3.5 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Wenge and Nickel-plated Brass Wenge and Brass PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 82-87
On Demand
GEDE
134
HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP Royal Naval apartments Godetia, 1965 (Photo: Henri Kessels)
PRODUCTS / BRASS
HONEYCOMB WALL LAMP
135
HONEYCOMB LAMP Composed of 32 hexagonal tubes brazed by hand, this iconic lamp was designed in 1953 for the high entrance hall of the Declercq’s house built by André Jacqmain and Jules Wabbes. (Nickel-plated Brass Finish) FRONT Width (W) Heigh (H)
256 mm 250 mm
To ensure it could be seen from both below and above, Jules Wabbes designed a lamp made of soldered hexagonal tube sections, so that the light source (bulb) is filtered from both sides by the metallic structure. The Honeycomb Wall Lamp, a classic and an exclusivity of GEDE, is available in Nickel-plated Brass and Polished Brass.
1953
(Polished Brass Finish) TOP/BOTTOM Lenght (L)
272 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Honeycomb Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1953 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 272 × ( W) 256 × (H) 250 mm WEIGHT 4,5 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Brass Nickel-plated Brass PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 20-23
On Demand
GEDE
136
PRODUCTS / BRASS
HONEYCOMB CEILING LAMP
137
HONEYCOMB CEILING LAMP Composed of hexagonal tubes welded together, the Honeycomb Ceiling Lamp is hanged by two rods from the ceiling. Its structure is identical to Jules Wabbes’ wall lamps, designed in 1953. (Polished Brass Finish) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 900 mm 1500 mm 130 mm
The first copy of this ceiling light was probably created in 1968 for the private office of Louis De Poortere fitted out by Wabbes in Kortrijk, Belgium. The model was later sold to corporate executive offices. The golden light scattered by the honeycomb is particularly warm and celestial. A model of this kind was exhibited at the Wabbes retrospective in 2012 at the Palace of Fine Arts (Bozar) in Brussels.
1968
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Honeycomb ceiling Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 900 × ( W) 240 × (H) 130 mm (L) 1500 × ( W) 240 × (H) 130 mm
(Polished Brass Finish) Width (W)
LEFT 240 mm
WEIGHT
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Brass PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 24-27
11,7 kg 17 kg
On Demand
GEDE
138
HONEYCOMB CEILING LAMP Assembling honeycomb tubes in the matrix.
GENERAL DECORATION
PRODUCTION
139
GEDE
140
PRODUCTS / BRASS
LIMITED EDITION
OSAKA CEILING LAMP
141
OSAKA CEILING LAMP
(Brushed Brass) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 560 mm 250 mm
The Osaka chandelier was created for the World Expo in Japan in 1970, with the theme: Progress and Harmony for Humanity. It was the first time the exhibition was held in Japan. The great architect Kenzo Tange was the artistic director. Jules Wabbes designed for the Belgian pavilion, whose architect was his former partner André Jacqmain, this magnificent golden hexagonal chandelier. The Osaka chandelier represents the culmination of lighting previously designed by the Belgian designer using folded metal strips. Here, the assembly work is very intricate. All the pieces revolve around the central axis. The reflections projected on the ceiling create a magical atmosphere. The chandelier floods the room with golden rays. A jewel of craftsmanship for the ceiling.
1970
(Brushed Brass) Width (W)
TOP 500 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Osaka Ceiling Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1970 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 560 × ( W) 500 × (H) 250 mm WEIGHT 24 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Brushed Brass PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 34-35
On Demand
GEDE
142
PRODUCTS / BRASS
LARGE ROUND BRASS PENDANT The round pendant lamp is composed of a series of brass circles. The source of light is protected and hidden by the metal circles. Hanging on metal rod. Different heights and two sizes available. Designed, manufactured and assembled in Belgium.
(Brushed Brass) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 440 mm 375 mm
1968
(Large Size) Width (W)
BOTTOM 440 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS NAME Large Round Brass Pendant ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 440 × ( W) 440 × (H) 375 mm WEIGHT
12 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Brushed Brass Nickel-plated Brass Polished Brass PRODUCTION / EDITION
GEDE
On Demand
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 36-39
ROUND BRASS PENDANT
143
SMALL ROUND BRASS PENDANT The round pendant lamp is composed of a series of brass circles. The source of light is protected and hidden by the metal circles. Hanging on metal rod. Different heights and two sizes available. (Nickel-plated Brass) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 330 mm 318 mm
Designed, manufactured and assembled in Belgium.
1968
(Small Size) Width (W)
TOP 330 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Small Round Brass Pendant ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 330 × ( W) 330 × (H) 318 mm WEIGHT
5,4 kg
FINISHES / PRODUCT REF.
Brushed Brass Nickel-plated Brass Polished Brass
PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 36-39
On Demand
GEDE
144
PRODUCTS / BRASS
MINI WALL LAMP
145
MINI WALL LAMP
(Nickel-plated Brass) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
FRONT 198 mm 96 mm
The Mini Wall Lamp is composed of three curved brass sheets, like the larger version of the wall lamp made of eleven parts and designed by Jules Wabbes in 1968. Originally available in polished brass and nickel-plated brass, it is now also available in gold-plated and brushed brass. This lamp was designed for General Decoration in 1969.
1969
(Polished Brass) Width (W)
LEFT 108 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME Mini Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 198 × ( W) 108 × (H) 96 mm WEIGHT 2,0 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Polished Nickel-plated Brushed Gold-plated PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 28-31
Brass Brass Brass Brass
On Demand
GEDE
146
PRODUCTS BRASS / LIMITED EDITIONS
11 BANDS WALL LAMP
147
11 BANDS WALL LAMP
(Nickel-plated Brass) Lenght (L) Heigh (H)
LEFT 183 mm 300 mm
The large Wall Lamp is composed of eleven curved brass bands. It was designed in 1968 for the Mobilier Universel and became part of General Decoration catalog. The Lamp’s design follows a common principle to the Honeycomb Wall Lamp that is how shades are projected on the wall in a sculptural manner.
1968
(Polished Brass) Width (W)
FRONT 350 mm
TECHNICAL SPECS
NAME 11 Bands Wall Lamp ORIGINAL DESIGN 1968 MATERIAL Brass DIMENSIONS (L) 183 × ( W) 350 × (H) 300 mm WEIGHT 6,5 kg FINISHES / PRODUCT REF. Nickel-plated Brass Polished Brass PRODUCTION / EDITION
LIFESTYLE SEE PP. 32-33
On Demand
GEDE
150
5 BANDS WALL LAMP
LIMITED EDITION
ROUND BRASS PENDANT
151
LIMITED EDITION
GEDE
GENERAL DECORATION Route de Beaumont, 20 1380 Lasne — Belgium +32 2 633 11 73 info@jules-wabbes.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Michel Figuet (p. 9, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, 22, 28, 34, 36-37, 38-39, 45-46, 48-49, 52, 56, 58-59, 60-61, 64, 71, 75, 82, 86-87, 88-89, 106-107, 114, 118-119, 124, 130) Serge Anton (p. 24, 74) Brice Vandemeeren (p. 32-33) Bernard De keyser (p. 21, 23, 42-43, 44, 50, 53, 55, 62, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72) Philippe D - Photography (p. 20, 26, 29, 30-31, 40, 54, 67, 73, 80, 84) Tine Claerhout (p. 77, 78-79) Pascal Demeester (p. 27) TEXT © Marie Ferran-Wabbes GRAPHIC DESIGN Neutre.be LITHOGRAPHY Mistral, Brussels
© 2019
DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED AND ASSEMBLED IN BELGIUM
GENERAL DECORATION